In many homes, particularly in flood-prone areas, a sump pump is a crucial defence against water damage to your home. But what happens when a severe storm knocks out the power and with it, your sump pump? Without a backup power source, your sump pump will fail, and your basement will likely flood within hours. In most cases, standard home insurance policies don’t cover any damage caused by a sump pump during a power outage. This leads to a frequently expensive and frustrating question for homeowners: Does insurance cover this type of damage? Here is a breakdown of some questions about sump pump failure and its coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sump Pumps
Does Insurance Cover Basement Flooding From A Sump Pump?
Most standard policies will, unfortunately, not cover you for basement flooding caused by a sump pump. To be covered, you must have a sewer backup or water damage endorsement added to your policy.
Is A Sump Pump Failure Considered Overland Flooding?
Sump Pump Failure is generally classified as water backup, not overland flooding. With that said, sump pump failure can cause flooding and damage similar to flood damage and should not be taken lightly.
How Much Does Sewer Backup Coverage Cost?
The cost of sewer backup coverage will vary. Typically, you can expect to pay $50-$250 a year, depending on your location and how much of a risk you are considered.
Why Does A Sump Pump Fail During Power Outages?
To start, most sump pumps run on electricity. During storms, conditions like high winds and lightning often disrupt power service. Therefore, if your sump pump doesn’t have a battery or water-powered backup, it will stop working. As water collects around your foundation, the inactive pump can no longer remove the water. Within hours, or sometimes even minutes, your basement may begin to flood. This will likely cause damage to flooring, drywall, appliances, furniture, and many personal items.
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What Should You Do If Your Sump Pump Fails?
If your sump pump is failing, you will want to do what you can to prevent flooding and restore drainage as fast as possible.
To start, you’ll want to first confirm that your sump pump is failing. Often, sump pumps will become stuck or unplugged, unable to work properly. In many cases, people will assume it’s completely done for. If your sump pump isn’t draining, check your power and make sure the float switch isn’t jammed.
If water begins to enter your basement, you must act quickly to minimize the damage. Start by ensuring it is safe to do so. If water is near electrical outlets or panels, do not enter the flooded area. Instead of acting, call an electrician or emergency services. Next, move all your valuables and electronics to a dry area and use a wet/dry vacuum or portable pump to remove standing water. Finally, document everything from damaged items to water levels, and contact your insurance provider immediately to report the incident.
Does Insurance Cover Sump Pump Failure?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard homeowners’ insurance typically does not cover water damage caused by a sump pump failure. These policies usually exclude losses from water that backs up through sewers or drains overflowing from a sump pump system. Therefore, unless you have additional coverage, your insurer is likely to deny the claim if your basement floods due to sump pump failure.
To fill the gap in coverage, most insurers offer a Water Damage Insurance Endorsement. This optional add-on covers any damages caused by:
- Sewer/drain backups
- Sump pump failure (including due to a power outage)
- Overflow from sump systems
While the endorsement adds to your premium, it can protect you from thousands of dollars in losses. Also, this endorsement may come with a separate deductible and does not replace flood insurance if water enters from the outside ground.
How Can You Prevent Sump Pump Flooding?
From the perspective of an insurance broker, prevention is just as crucial as protection when it comes to risk mitigation. There are several proactive steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of sump pump-related losses. Here are some ways to reduce losses in the case of sump pump failure:
1. Install A Backup Power Source
First, a battery backup system or a water-powered backup pump allows your sump pump to keep running during a power outage. Having a backup can significantly reduce the risk of flooding during storms.
2. Use Smart Water Sensors
Next, investing in Wi-Fi-connected leak detectors and pump monitors is an excellent way to detect sump pump failures. These monitors can alert you when water pressure rises or power is lost, giving you ample time to act before any damage occurs.
3. Maintain Your Sump Pump
The best way to combat sump pump failure is to have routine maintenance. Doing things such as cleaning the pit, testing the pump regularly, and replacing any aging equipment is essential to prevent unexpected failures.
4. Document Everything
Ensure you are keeping records of any work done that involves your sump pump. Record any installations, maintenance, or upgrades in case a claim ever needs to be filed.
Knowing Your Policy And Risks
Finally, because coverage varies, it is vital to review your insurance policy carefully. In certain areas, depending on how prone they are to flooding, insurance providers may offer limited coverage amounts or even exclude coverage entirely unless mitigation is in place. If you are unsure about your policy, here are some questions to ask your insurance provider:
- Does my coverage include sump pump failure during a power outage?
- Do I have sewer backup coverage?
- Do I need additional coverage for overland flooding?
- What are my coverage limits and deductibles?
Sump pump failures during a power outage are an unfortunate but increasingly common risk in Canada. Ensure that your home is protected and prepared by contacting your insurance provider to understand what is covered. If you have any questions about your homeowners’ insurance, contact us today.
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